In Pakistan, the Supreme Court has made an important intervention amidst the growing conflict between the President and the Election Commission. This may backfire on the Shehbaz Sharif government's intention to postpone the elections to the Assemblies of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces.
It is alleged that the Election Commission is working under pressure from the government. Angered by this, President Arif Alvi announced the election schedule on his behalf this week. He claimed that he was entitled to do so under the law. While the Election Commission refused to accept the President's interpretation of the election law.
The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Umar Ata Bandial, has taken cognizance of the impasse regarding this on his initiative. On Wednesday, he issued a notice to the Election Commission in this regard. Along with this, he has constituted a bench of nine judges to hear the matter. Earlier last week, a division bench in the Supreme Court had heard the stand of the Election Commission. He had referred the matter to the Chief Justice saying that the issue posed a serious threat of violation of the Constitution.
According to observers, this dispute has further complicated the already deep political crisis in Pakistan. On the political front, the confrontation between the ruling party and the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) continues. Ever since the fall of its leader Imran Khan's government in April last year, the PTI has been campaigning for fresh general elections. To press for this demand, PTI got the assemblies of both provinces under its rule dissolved. According to the law of Pakistan, after the dissolution of a house, it is necessary to have a new election within 90 days. But the Election Commission is hesitating to follow this rule.
Now the Supreme Court has said whether the President or the Election Commission has the right to announce the date of elections, it will give its decision. The Chief Justice has said in the notice sent to the commission that it is the responsibility of the government to conduct elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as per the provisions of the constitution. The Supreme Court has pointed out that the Assemblies were dissolved on 14 and 18 January. It is mandatory to conduct their elections within 90 days from these dates.
Meanwhile, PTI started its 'Jail Bharo Andolan' on Wednesday. The agitation has been organized to protest against the alleged harassment of PTI leaders. Several leaders of the party courted arrest in Lahore on Wednesday. Imran Khan announced to start of this movement recently. He had said that party workers would arrest such a large number that the authorities would run out of space in jails to keep people.
According to observers, at a time when the country's economic crisis is getting deeper day by day, it is a matter of great concern that political and constitutional conflict is taking place at that time. Due to this, the hope of getting relief to the people is getting further away.
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